Vox Culture Pub in Orlando: From “Doing” Church to “Being” Church

IMN Global Network
Dan Harshbarger
IMN Field Operative
Vox Culture Pubs Orlando
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It’s incredible what a difference 5 years and a rear view mirror makes. It was 5 years ago this past July that I began to align my life with that of the way of Jesus. Early on, I got involved with as many activities that I could, from volunteering to leading worship bands. Over the past few years, I’ve seen the gamut of different worship styles, settings and teams. From big churches, to house churches, church plants, and finally culture pubs.

Looking back, one thing that I have learned is that there are many ways to reach people with the Gospel, but the most effective are those that are in environments that reach people where they already are.

I spent years trying to create interesting environments within the confines of a church building. Environments that I knew, or at least hoped, that people who weren’t yet connected to Christ would appreciate - perhaps even connect them to Him. A big problem I found, though, was that a lot of people who I loved didn’t want to come near a church building.

I realized that a good majority of my week was spent rehearsing music that someone else had written for people that already knew Jesus. This seemed less and less like the mission set out before us. To top it all off, I completely burnt out. I had to leave the church plant where I was volunteering and detox.

I withdrew from ‘doing church’ on a weekly basis, and consequently found so much more time to spend with the friends that I hadn’t really connected with in years. It’s been awesome writing original music again, this time with more meaning.

God has led me full circle to where I began 5 years ago - playing music and putting together shows. This time around it’s for a completely different purpose.

I have found through Voxtropolis Culture Pubs, that there are ways of being one’s true self and watching God work through that to connect with those who would never consider setting foot into a church building. That is being the church.

So far, I have participated in four Voxtropolis Culture Pubs in some capacity - from assisting, to mingling, to playing and hosting. Each time, I’ve been engaged in meaningful conversation with people who have yet to align themselves with Christ. Each time, those same people have been excited to learn about our next event. Some are excited to help us in this mission, regardless of where they are spiritually.

Now, some of the very people that I prayed about nearly 5 years ago, are helping me to make Voxtropolis Culture Pubs a reality. It’s opened the door for deep conversations - discussions that we have several times a week.

Along the way, I met some others who have encouraged me to continue on with another dream: starting my own coffee brand that utilizes profits to help others. It’s mission and vision are close to that of Voxtropolis. To help with this endeavor, I’ve traded in the goal of an MDiv for an MBA.

As I adjust the rearview mirror, I can see where God has been in the details. He has shown me that Jesus did most of his work outside of the temple. Seeing where I’ve been, I plan on looking ahead - doing the same.

What do you think?

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